Poll suggests oncologists already using GSK melanoma drugs off-label

A survey conducted by BioTrends Research Group found that of the U.S. oncologists polled, that 25% had prescribed GSK's BRAF-inhibitor Tafinlar for malignant melanoma, compared to 15% who said they prescribed GSK's MEK inhibitor, Mekinist. This study, part of the “LaunchTrends Tafinlar/Mekinist” report series, suggests the inability to differentiate between Taflinar and Mekinist is the most significant constraint for oncologists prescribing these new launch drugs. The report also alleges that oncologists may be using the two together in a non-FDA approved combination therapy. Another finding was that nearly half of oncologists surveyed are willing to prescribe both Taflinar and Mekinist as monotherapies. More oncologists also cited Tafinlar as the first-line BRAF-mutated unresectable/metastatic malignant melanoma treatment to be prescribed, Mekinist was cited as the most likely to prescribe in patients with the BRAF V600k Mutation.